Saturday, June 25, 2016

Hidden Treasures of Bangladesh

Rainul Islam

We often hear people proclaim the richness of the natural
beauty of our country but have you ever wondered why? Sure, you’ve visited the
long shores of Cox’s Bazar, trekked to the heights of Keokradong and peaked
through the lovely clean waters of Saint-Martin. But to limit ourselves to the mainstream
is to grossly under-sell the natural beauty of our country. Today,
we invite your attention to some of the lesser known and /or lesser traveled
destinations of Bangladesh which deserve just as much love, admiration and acclaim
as its more popular counterparts.

WATERFALLS
GALORE

NAFAKUM AND AMIAKHUM WATERFALL, BANDARBAN

Often hailed as the “Niagra Falls” of Bangladesh, Nafakum Waterfall
is one of the largest and most gorgeous waterfalls in the country. Despite its
jaw-dropping beauty, however, Nafakum is also amongst one of the lesser
ventured destinations due to the relatively extreme journey that it demands
from would-be travelers.

For instance, for someone traveling from Dhaka the journey
would be something like this: an 8-hour bus journey to Bandarban followed by
another 3-4 hours bus journey to Thanchi where travelers would need to take
permission from the BGB and enter their contact details for safety reasons. Thereafter,
you would need to hire engine-boat(s) for the exploratory journey to Remarki
through giant rocks dispersed in the Sangu River. At this point, travelers are
well-advised to spend the night here at the hospitable local tribal houses
before continuing their journey to Nafakum early next morning which will
include hours of walking and trekking too.

Clearly, the journey is a major obstacle for many interested
in travelling but this is also what puts Nafakum, along with Amiakhum, at the
top of our list of Hidden Treasures of Bangladesh. The water is still clean and
the nature still innocent of manly interventions, and quite frankly, the journey
itself is worth it for the more hardcore travel-enthusiasts.

As a bonus for those who dare to take the aforementioned
journey, you will be rewarded with the equally enticing scenery of Amiakhum which
is also situated in Bandarban, near Myanmar border.

Notable Mentions:

·Jadipai: also situated in Bandarban; the water is
transparent and on a lucky day, you may be blessed with the awe-striking view
of a rainbow forming at the bottom of the fall

·Richang Waterfall (often pronounced “Risang”): located
in Khagrachori, Chittagong; relatively easy to get to and covered in more
greenery than the other waterfalls on the list.

FOREST FEST

RATARGUL

Ratargul Swamp Forest, located in Sylhet, is the only swamp
forest in Bangladesh. The forest can dive as deep as 30 feet under water during
monsoon and usually sits at about 10 feet deep in other seasons.

It is the creation of a surreal marriage between a freshwater
swamp and an almost poetic forest of Koroch trees “growing” out of the cool,
clean water. Admittedly, the forest has become more famous in recent years but
with its unparalleled capacity to provoke one’s senses, we felt it was too big
a risk to leave it out in case the reader hasn’t visited this luscious forest yet.

TEKNAF WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Located in Teknaf of Cox’s Bazar District, and on the banks
of the Naf River, it is the only game reserve in Bangladesh and a truly
bio-diverse one at that. The sanctuary comprises an area of an astounding 11,615
hectares and boasts a number of attractions, none more so than the opportunity
to see wild elephants in all their magnificence and the Kudum Cave, which harbours
two different species of bats and is often known as the “Bat Cave.” Additionally,
the destination has a plentiful plant-life, a wide species of birds and activities
including hiking trails varying in terms of length and difficulty.

MAGICAL WATERBODIES

BOGA LAKE, BANDARBAN

Much like Nafakum Waterfall above, Boga Lake really is one of
the must-visit places yet quite a challenge to get to as well. In fact, it is
inaccessible by any means of transport. For those who take the trouble to take
the uncomfortable steps to this destination, however, awaits glad tidings
indeed. It is unquestionably one of the most beautiful destinations on the list
with its heavenly view that’s soothing both to the eyes and the heart. The lake
is bounded by lush greenery, hills, cliffs and rocks. It is a perfect place for
nature or peace lovers to stay overnight, watch stars, read books or share
ghost stories, especially in light of a famous legend about the very birth of
the lake.

SHUSONG DURAGPUR OF BIRISHIRI, NATROKANA

Also known as the China Clay Hills, its main attractions are
the ceramic hills beside the water that culminate into possibly the most
picturesque destination on the list. Those into water travels will also
appreciate the chance to row-boat along the Someshwari River.

Unfortunately, though, all things worth having (or visiting
in this case) do not come easy; this particular place is as remotely located as
being near the Indian border itself.

CHITTAGONG NAVAL BEACH

You hear Chittagong and beach – what do you think about?
Cox’s of course. While Cox’s, St. Martin and Teknaf rightfully attract more
tourists we feel the naval beach (dockside) in Chittagong is also worth a quick
visit. The main attractions here include three distinct parts of the beach each
giving quite a different feel than the others. The abundance of hair-floating
breeze that makes for great selfies and the thumb-sized local piyajus are alone
enough to regularly attract a swarm of young adults every Friday.

Notable Mentions

·Shitalakshya River, Demra: the main attraction is the
short trip from the center of Dhaka. It’s easy to rent out professional tour
guides who will take you on a private cruise with delicacies including fish
grilled on the boat itself. It makes for a perfect get-away or celebration of
something dear with a large group.

Reminiscent of the iconic monkey temple in Jungle Book, the famous Rajbari is one
of the oldest Zamindar palaces in Mymensingh. While some may find it
undesirable that a large portion of the complex is not properly maintained, it
is the lack of proper maintenance that makes it a must-visit destination for
anyone with a taste for unadulterated history and culture.

Sweetening the destination further, quite literally, is the
renowned Gopal Pali Prosida Monda Sweet Shop – home to what are probably the
best monda sweets in the entire country.

ALUTILA, KHAGRACHORI

Shaped like a man-made underground passage, Alutila is the
longest natural cave in Bangladesh stretching about a 100 meters in length. It
is enclosed by deep green forests all-round and is rocky, slippery and
blindingly dark inside.

Perhaps not for the feint hearted but makes a great choice
for the brave and adventurous looking for a different experience.

What’s your
favourite hidden destination of Bangladesh? Is it something that falls outside
the list above? If so, please write to us in the comments section and let your
fellow travelers know too.